28: Chapter 28 Earth Fire Melting Core

Golden Cloud City, west of the city, a quiet teahouse named "Listening to the Waves Pavilion".

In a private booth by the window on the second floor, Lin Wan sat alone in a corner. A pot of freshly brewed "Biluochun" tea was placed before him. Although the tea fragrance curled in the air, he did not taste it. His gaze passed through the half-open window lattice, landing on the bustling crowd on the street, while his Divine Sense quietly covered the entire teahouse, capturing any fragments of conversation related to "Master Huo" or "Thousand Islands Alliance deacon".

Two days had passed since he had casually dealt with three robbers in the alley the day before yesterday. The Storage Pouches of those three held no surprises, mostly containing ordinary Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills. However, the "Thousand Islands Alliance" outer Disciple token on one of them confirmed to Lin Wan that this place was indeed a mix of fish and dragons, and the Disciples within the alliance were not necessarily clean. He did not stay in the city long; after cleaning up the loose ends, he changed his lodging spot. While silently absorbing the pure water spiritual energy from the "Millennium Water Jade Essence" to recover from his injuries, he gathered information.

The "Water Jade Essence" was indeed a Tier 4 spiritual item. The water-attributed spiritual energy it contained was pure and gentle. It had an excellent nourishing effect on his injuries—his damaged Five Elements Foundation and the damage to his water-attributed Origin caused by forcibly activating the Blood Escape Talisman. After only two days of absorption, he felt the water-attributed spiritual energy within his body become much more active. The portion of spiritual light representing the water element within his five elements sword core also brightened slightly, which in turn provided a faint nourishment to the other four elemental spiritual energies. The lingering pain in his Meridians eased, and the recovery speed of his Dantian energy increased by a fraction.

"If I could have enough Tier 4 or Tier 5 Five Elements spiritual items, perhaps I could really recover most of my Foundation within a year," Lin Wan pondered. However, Five Elements spiritual items were inherently precious, and high-tier ones were even more priceless. With his current amount of Spirit Stones, he might not even be able to afford a Tier 4 Medium Grade spiritual item, let alone Tier 5.

"It seems I still have to find a way from the ruins of Bishui Palace. As an ancient water-attributed Sect, the thing they would least lack is high-tier water-attributed spiritual items. If I could obtain its core Legacy or treasure vault..." Lin Wan's gaze narrowed. Risk and Opportunity coexisted, but this was the fastest path to recovery and improvement he could think of for now.

He withdrew his thoughts and focused his attention back on the conversation inside the teahouse.

"...Have you heard? That Feng Yushu from the Feng Family, who serves as a deacon in the Thousand Islands Alliance, returned from the Inner Sea a few days ago. It seems he even brought a distinguished guest with him. It is said to be a big shot from the Central Plains!"

"Central Plains? My god, that is a Holy Land for cultivation! What is he doing in our remote backwater?"

"Who knows? Maybe he took a liking to some specialty of our Xingluo Sea Area, or... is it for that matter?"

"Which matter? Are you talking about... the Immortal Cave of True Lord Bishui?"

"Shh! Keep your voice down! Is that something you can just talk about casually? However, Feng Yushu did indeed summon several Late Stage Foundation Establishment Fellow Daoists for secret talks after returning this time. I have a distant cousin who works for the Feng Family, and I vaguely heard some wind that it seems to be related to 'Misty Reef'..."

"Misty Reef? Isn't that a forbidden zone? Could the Immortal Cave of True Lord Bishui really be there? No wonder no one has found it for so many years..."

"Who knows. However, after returning this time, Feng Yushu specifically went to visit Master Huo. It seems he wants to ask Master Huo to take action and refine an important water-attributed Magic Treasure. Tsk tsk, to be able to move Master Huo, it seems the Feng Family is planning something big this time."

"Master Huo? You mean the one on Fire Melting Island? He has such a strange temper, can Feng Yushu really move him?"

"Feng Yushu is, after all, a deacon of the Thousand Islands Alliance and a direct descendant of the Feng Family; Master Huo has to give him some Face. Moreover, I heard the Feng Family brought out an Artifact Refining Material that Master Huo has been searching for a long time..."

Hearing this, Lin Wan's eyes flickered. Master Huo, Feng Yushu, water-attributed Magic Treasure, the Immortal Cave of True Lord Bishui... These clues seemed to be vaguely connected. Feng Yushu was very likely the grand-nephew of Master Huo who served as a deacon in the Thousand Islands Alliance. His request for Master Huo to refine a water-attributed Magic Treasure was likely in preparation for exploring the ruins of Bishui Palace. And the Feng Family, it seemed, was not entirely ignorant of the ruins of Bishui Palace, and might even possess more detailed information than Black Shark.

"Perhaps I can find a breakthrough through this Feng Yushu," Lin Wan considered. If he could get in touch with Master Huo through Feng Yushu, not only would the matter of Artifact Refining be promising, but he might also obtain more intelligence about the ruins of Bishui Palace, or even... cooperation?

However, the Feng Family was a large clan in the Inner Sea, and Feng Yushu was a deacon of the Thousand Islands Alliance with a prestigious status, and his cultivation level was likely not weak. For an outsider Cultivator like him, with an unknown background and unhealed severe injuries, it would be difficult to approach and gain the other party's trust.

"It seems I must first show some value," Lin Wan mused. Since the Feng Family was collecting water-attributed treasures and preparing to explore water-attributed ruins, perhaps the 'bishui token' in his hand, along with his understanding of water-attributed Cultivation Techniques and Formations, could serve as a stepping stone.

He did not linger further, left the tea money, and stood up to leave the Listening to the Waves Pavilion.

For the next few days, Lin Wan did not deliberately inquire anymore. He rented a small courtyard with a small Earth Fire room in Golden Cloud City and settled down temporarily. While continuing to absorb the Water Jade Essence to heal, he began to organize what he had learned, especially the insights into water-attributed Cultivation Techniques, Divine Abilities, and Formations from the 'Great Five Elements True Scripture', as well as the knowledge from some water-attributed and Formation-related Jade Slips exchanged from the System.

He needed to "manufacture" some value, value sufficient to pique the interest of the Feng Family, or rather, Feng Yushu.

On the evening seven days later, at the "Drunk Immortal Residence," the largest restaurant in Golden Cloud City, in the third-floor private room "Sea Viewing Hall."

Inside the hall, a small gathering of Cultivators was taking place. The initiator was none other than Feng Yushu, and the participants were all Foundation Establishment Cultivators with some reputation in the Inner Sea, either representatives of various forces or skilled Alchemists, Talisman Masters, or Formation Masters. Nominally, it was for exchanging insights and sharing information, but in reality, it was an Opportunity for Feng Yushu to recruit talent and prepare for subsequent plans.

Lin Wan also received an invitation. The invitation was delivered the day before by a middle-aged Cultivator claiming to be a steward of the Feng Family. His attitude was polite, but his tone carried an air of refusal not being an option. Clearly, Feng Yushu had also taken an interest in the "Lin-surnamed Cultivator" who had recently appeared in Golden Cloud City with remarkable strength and a mysterious background, and had investigated him.

Lin Wan did not refuse. This was exactly what he wanted.

At this moment, he sat by the window, still in that inconspicuous green robe, his gray-white hair casually tied up with a wooden hairpin. His aura was maintained at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, neither too high nor too low, neither drawing excessive attention nor causing people to underestimate him. Spiritual fruits and spiritual wine were placed before him, but he did not touch them, only quietly listening to the conversations of the surrounding Cultivators, his gaze occasionally sweeping over Feng Yushu in the main seat.

Feng Yushu was a young man of about thirty, with a fair complexion, an elegant temperament, and dressed in a brocade blue robe. His cultivation was clearly at the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, and his aura was solid and condensed, obviously with a firm Foundation, far beyond that of an ordinary Loose Cultivator. His speech was appropriate, his smile gentle, and when conversing with everyone, he would occasionally throw out some anecdotes from the Inner Sea and even the Central Plains, drawing exclamations from the crowd and fully displaying the demeanor of a scion of a renowned Family. However, the occasional flash of sharpness deep in his eyes showed that this person was by no means as simple as he appeared on the surface.

"...My return this time, besides handling Family affairs, is also on the orders of the Alliance Elders to investigate the recent abnormal movements of Yao Beasts in the Outer Sea. You all have lived in the Inner Sea for a long time and may not know that recently, there are signs of low-tier Yao Beasts gathering and migrating in many areas of the Outer Sea. Some even claim to have seen figures of suspected Tier 3 Peak, or even Tier 4 sea beasts on the edge of the 'Turbulent Sea Area'. This matter is likely not a coincidence," Feng Yushu said, putting down his wine cup, his expression looking slightly grave.

"Tier 4 sea beast? That is an existence comparable to the Late Stage of Golden Core! If it breaks into the Inner Sea, the consequences would be unimaginable!" an old man in Alchemist robes exclaimed.

"Indeed, the Alliance also attaches great importance to this matter. I suspect it may be related to some changes in the deep sea, or... the loosening of some ancient Restrictions," Feng Yushu said with implication, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "To tell you the truth, I have also dabbled a bit in the way of Formations. Recently, while studying some ancient books, I discovered that there seems to be remnants of an ancient water-attributed grand Formation in the depths of the Turbulent Sea Area. This recent abnormal movement of Yao Beasts might be related to it. If that is true, there might be a significant secret, or even... an Opportunity, hidden within those remnants of the ancient grand Formation."

Ancient water-attributed grand Formation! An Opportunity! Everyone's eyes revealed a look of eagerness. Anything that could be called an "ancient grand Formation" was definitely not trivial. If there were truly remnants inside, even getting a bit of the scraps would be inexhaustible.

"Fellow Daoist Feng is knowledgeable and well-read, I admire you. However, the Turbulent Sea Area is extremely dangerous, and with remnants of an ancient grand Formation, ordinary Cultivators would likely find it difficult to penetrate deep inside," a sturdy, fierce-looking Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator said in a deep voice.

"Fellow Daoist Li is correct. That is why I have summoned everyone to discuss this matter together," Feng Yushu smiled slightly. "Exploring ancient ruins cannot be done by one person's strength alone. It requires Formation Masters to break the Restrictions, requires those with powerful combat strength to act as Protectors, and requires those proficient in various miscellaneous arts to cope with the unexpected. I am untalented, but I am willing to lead the organization of this matter, and I promise that the Opportunity obtained will be distributed according to the size of the contribution. The Feng Family and the Thousand Islands Alliance will also provide necessary support and protection."

This was a team-up for an expedition! The crowd was buzzing with discussion, and there were not a few who were tempted. With the backing of the Feng Family and the Thousand Islands Alliance, safety and credibility were greatly increased.

Lin Wan sneered inwardly. This Feng Yushu was truly calculating. Using the abnormal movement of Yao Beasts and the ancient grand Formation as a lure, he threw out the bait of "Opportunity" to attract all kinds of talent to work for him, to explore the ruins of Bishui Palace. As for the "distributed according to the size of the contribution" he spoke of, wouldn't it be up to him to decide when the time came? I fear that most of the benefits would eventually fall into the hands of the Feng Family and him.

However, this was exactly what Lin Wan wanted. He had intended to borrow the strength of the Feng Family to enter the ruins of Bishui Palace. Since Feng Yushu was organizing a team, he would just take the Opportunity to join, which would allow him to borrow their strength while also acting in secret to plot for what he needed.

"Fellow Daoist Feng is righteous, which is admirable. I have some insights into the way of Formations, and I am willing to follow you and contribute a meager effort," a middle-aged Formation Master who had been silent all along, with an aura at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment and an ordinary appearance, was the first to express his stance.

"I have some research into Restrictions and the art of mechanical Puppets, which might come in handy," another Cultivator also said.

One after another, people expressed their stance. Those who could sit here all had some ability; who wouldn't want to gamble on an Opportunity?

Feng Yushu's smile grew brighter. His gaze swept over the few who had not yet expressed their stance, and finally landed on Lin Wan: "Fellow Daoist Lin, I heard that you easily resolved the siege of the 'Yin Wind Three Evils' in the market the day before yesterday, and your strength is not low. I also see that your bearing is composed, so you must not be an ordinary Loose Cultivator. I wonder what your thoughts are on what I just said?"

Yin Wind Three Evils? So that was the name of those three robbers. It seems Feng Yushu's "investigation" into him was quite detailed. Lin Wan understood this in his heart, his expression remained calm, and he cupped his hands: "Fellow Daoist Feng, you are too kind. My knowledge of Formations is limited, but the Cultivation Technique I practice has some connection with the water element, and my sensitivity to water-attributed spiritual energy is decent. If that ancient ruin is truly related to the water element, perhaps I can be of some small help."

"Oh? You practice a water-attributed Cultivation Technique?" A sharp light flashed in Feng Yushu's eyes, and he seemed even more interested. "I wonder if you could show us a little, so we can broaden our horizons?"

This was a test. Lin Wan did not refuse. He extended the index finger of his right hand. At the tip of his finger, a point of azure water-attributed spiritual energy gathered, transforming into a drop of crystal-clear, yet heavy as a thousand jun, "One-Yuan Heavy Water," which floated quietly. Although the water drop was small, it emitted a pure, heavy water-attributed Spiritual Pressure that seemed capable of crushing mountains, and there were even mysterious runes faintly flowing and flickering within it.

"One-Yuan Heavy Water? And it is so condensed and pure!" The middle-aged Formation Master exclaimed in shock. One-Yuan Heavy Water was one of the most difficult Divine Abilities to Cultivate among water-attributed ones, requiring extremely high purity and control over water-attributed spiritual energy. To be able to condense such pure One-Yuan Heavy Water that contained the Dao rhyme showed that this person's understanding of the water-attributed Dao was extraordinary.

A look of surprise also flashed in Feng Yushu's eyes, which then turned into even greater interest: "What exquisite water-attributed spiritual energy! Fellow Daoist Lin is indeed hiding his true depth. Since you have such ability, joining us will surely be like adding wings to a tiger. I wonder, Fellow Daoist Lin, are you willing to join us?"

"It is exactly what I wish for, I dare not ask for more," Lin Wan put away the water drop and said calmly.

"Good! With Fellow Daoist Lin joining, the certainty of this trip increases by thirty percent!" Feng Yushu clapped his hands and laughed, then said with a serious expression, "Since all Fellow Daoists are willing, then it is settled. Two months from now, we will gather at the docks of Golden Cloud City and take our Feng Family sea ship to the Turbulent Sea Area together. During this time, everyone can make early preparations. If you have any special needs, you can inform me, and the Feng Family will try our best to satisfy them. In addition, to show our sincerity, I have prepared a small gift. Each Fellow Daoist can use this token to go to the Feng Family treasure vault to select a Tier 2 treasure, or exchange it for an equivalent amount of Spirit Stones or Medicinal Pills."

After saying this, he took out several jade plaques engraved with the Feng Family logo and distributed them to the Cultivators who had expressed their willingness to join, including Lin Wan.

Everyone received the jade tokens, their Faces showing joy. The Feng Family was indeed a major clan in the Inner Sea, generous with their rewards. A second-tier treasure was quite valuable, and for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, it was considered pretty good.

Lin Wan also accepted the token, his expression unchanged. He knew this was both a way to win him over and a form of "advance payment"; the Feng Family would not make a losing deal.

The gathering continued for another hour, with everyone toasting each other, exchanging insights, and the atmosphere was lively. Lin Wan did not speak much, only occasionally chiming in, spending most of his time observing. He discovered that the people Feng Yushu had invited truly each had their own specialties. The middle-aged Formation Master was surnamed Zhao, a somewhat famous Loose Cultivator Formation Master in the Inner Sea. The one proficient in mechanisms and Puppets was surnamed Qian. There was also a female Cultivator surnamed Sun who excelled in beast taming, and an elderly man surnamed Zhou who had deep research into poisons. Added to himself and a few other Foundation Establishment Cultivators with decent combat strength, this team was quite well-configured.

It seemed Feng Yushu was well-prepared for this exploration and determined to succeed.

The gathering dispersed. Lin Wan did not immediately return to his small courtyard but instead took the token Feng Yushu had given him and headed to the Feng Family's shop in Golden Cloud City, "Duobao Pavilion," to select treasures.

Duobao Pavilion was a famous merchant house in the Inner Sea, with a dazzling array of goods. Lin Wan did not choose ready-made Magic Treasure or Medicinal Pill, but walked directly to the Materials section. What he needed were spiritual items that could assist in healing and enhancing his strength, or special Artifact Refining Materials.

After browsing for a moment, his gaze was drawn to a strange Ore displayed inside a glass cover. It was entirely crimson, only the size of a fist, yet emitted a scorching heat, as if magma were flowing within it.

"Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron (Fourth Grade Low Grade): Produced in the deep veins of deep-sea volcanoes, smelted over a thousand years by earth fire. It contains pure, explosive Fire Element Spiritual Qi and a trace of Earth Fire Origin. It is a top-grade material for refining fire-attribute Magic Treasure and can also be used to Cultivate certain fire-attribute Divine Ability or refine special fire-attribute Medicinal Pill. Exchange requires 10,000 Feng Family contribution points, or equivalent Spirit Stone or treasures."

Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron! A fourth-grade Fire Element spiritual item! And it contained a trace of Earth Fire Origin! This was exactly what he urgently needed! The nourishment and subsequent improvement of his five elements sword required Five Elements spiritual items. He already had the millennium water jade marrow; if he obtained this iron, the union of water and fire would be of immense benefit to the nourishment of his five elements sword core and the cultivation of the "Li Fire Divine Light" within the "Five Elements Divine Light"!

He didn't have Feng Family contribution points, but equivalent treasures... He looked at his Storage Pouch. Aside from the bishui token, void five elements token, five elements sword, and other items that could not be exposed, the only things he could offer were some captured Magical Artifact, Materials, and that piece of millennium water jade marrow. He needed the water jade marrow for himself and could not trade it. The total value of the other items probably wouldn't reach 10,000 contribution points (approximately 100,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stone).

"It seems I have no choice but to use it." Lin Wan pondered slightly, took a jade box from his robes, and handed it to the Feng Family steward on duty. "Please take a look and see what this is worth. Can it be exchanged for that piece of Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron?"

The steward took the jade box, opened it, and saw a Spiritual Plant inside that was entirely emerald green, with seven narrow leaves, and a small pale blue flower blooming at the top, emitting cool Water Element Spiritual Qi and vigorous vitality.

"This is... 'Seven Star Moon Companion Grass'? Judging by its age, it's at least five hundred years old!" A trace of surprise flashed in the steward's eyes. The Seven Star Moon Companion Grass was an auxiliary herb for refining various water and wood attribute Medicinal Pill. A five-hundred-year-old specimen was quite precious, especially for Water Element Cultivators. He checked it carefully for a moment and nodded: "This herb is well-preserved with abundant medicinal power. It can be valued at 6,000 contribution points. It is still 4,000 short of the Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron. Does the Fellow Daoist have any other treasures to make up the difference? Or would you like to choose other items?"

Still 4,000 short. Lin Wan frowned. He really didn't have any ordinary items worth 4,000 contribution points on him. Was he to give up?

"Wait!" An arrogant voice came from behind him.

Lin Wan turned around to see a young Cultivator wearing crimson Daoist robes, with an arrogant Face and cultivation at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, walking over with large strides, his eyes burning as he stared at the Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron in the glass cover. Behind him followed two Feng Family guards.

"I want this Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron!" The red-robed youth said to the steward, his tone brooking no argument.

"Young Master Huo, this Melting Heart Iron was first spotted by this Fellow Daoist Lin, and we are currently discussing the exchange..." The steward wore a troubled expression. He recognized this red-robed youth as a direct descendant of the "Huo Family," another Golden Core Family in the Inner Sea. He was arrogant and difficult to offend. However, the Feng Family also had rules, valuing first-come-first-served.

"Discussing? That means the deal isn't done yet, right?" Young Master Huo glanced sideways at Lin Wan. Seeing his ordinary attire, his cultivation only at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment (Lin Wan's disguise), and his graying hair, a flash of disdain crossed his eyes. "A Loose Cultivator from who knows where, and he thinks he's worthy of such a treasure? I offer 12,000 contribution points; this iron is mine!"

After speaking, he took out a crimson token and slapped it on the counter. The token was engraved with the character "Huo" and shone with spiritual light.

The steward was even more troubled. The Huo Family was on good terms with the Feng Family, and Young Master Huo was a direct descendant; he couldn't directly rebuff him. Besides, the other party offered a higher price...

"In all things, there is a first-come, first-served order." Lin Wan spoke calmly, looking at Young Master Huo with a steady gaze. "I want this item, Fellow Daoist."

"What are you? How dare you compete with me?" Young Master Huo's Face darkened. He released his Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment Spiritual Pressure, pressing down toward Lin Wan. "If you know what's good for you, get lost immediately! Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Lin Wan remained motionless; that bit of Spiritual Pressure felt like a breeze brushing his Face. Ignoring Young Master Huo, he said to the steward: "Is the Feng Family's rule first-come-first-served, or does it go to the highest bidder?"

Sweat appeared on the steward's forehead; he couldn't afford to offend either of them. Just then, a gentle voice sounded:

"What is going on?"

Feng Yushu had arrived at Duobao Pavilion at some unknown time, walking over slowly with a smile.

"Brother Feng, you've come at just the right time!" Seeing Feng Yushu, Young Master Huo immediately changed his expression, pointing at Lin Wan. "I took a fancy to this Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron and was about to buy it, but this unknown Loose Cultivator dares to compete with me! Brother Feng, since when does your Feng Family shop allow outsiders to run wild?"

Feng Yushu glanced at the Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron, then at the jade box in Lin Wan's hand, and the token of Young Master Huo on the counter, understanding the situation. He first smiled at Young Master Huo: "Young Brother Huo, calm down." Then he looked at the steward: "Fellow Daoist Lin took a fancy to this item; has it been agreed upon?"

The steward quickly explained the situation.

After listening, Feng Yushu pondered for a moment and said to Lin Wan: "Fellow Daoist Lin, this Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron is indeed a Fire Element treasure. Young Brother Huo offered a higher price, so by rights... However, you are a guest I invited, and you spotted it first. How about this: the item is valued at 10,000 contribution points, Fellow Daoist Lin's Seven Star Moon Companion Grass is valued at 6,000, and I will lend you the remaining 4,000, to be deducted from the proceeds of the exploration later. How does that sound?"

He was acting as a peacemaker, giving Young Master Huo Face (acknowledging his higher bid), taking care of Lin Wan (loaning the funds and promising later deduction), and upholding the Feng Family's rules (no forced buying or selling).

Lin Wan glanced at Feng Yushu; this person acted with smoothness and thoroughness, showing no small amount of skill. He nodded: "Acceptable. Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Feng."

"Brother Feng, you..." Young Master Huo was somewhat dissatisfied, but since Feng Yushu had spoken, he couldn't cause more trouble. He just glared fiercely at Lin Wan: "Kid, consider yourself lucky! Don't let me run into you again!"

With that, he flicked his sleeves and left.

Feng Yushu gave an apologetic smile to Lin Wan: "Young Brother Huo has a hot temper, please don't take offense, Fellow Daoist. Please keep the Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron safe. With the exploration imminent, every bit of strength you gain is another bit of certainty for us."

"Thank you for your consideration, Fellow Daoist Feng." Lin Wan took the Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron from the steward. It felt warm and heavy in his hand, and the pure, explosive Fire Element Spiritual Qi inside made the Fire Element spiritual liquid in his body jump slightly. This item was truly important to him.

He used the remaining contribution points to exchange for some Medicinal Pill for healing and recovery, as well as a few Jade Slip recording the Yao Beast, geography, and customs of the Xingluo Sea Area, before taking his leave.

Returning to the rented small courtyard, he activated the Restriction and impatiently took out the Earth Fire Melting Heart Iron and the millennium water jade marrow.

Holding the water jade marrow in his left hand, cool and moist Water Element Spiritual Qi poured in continuously, nourishing his Meridians, repairing his Golden Core, and calming the Qi and blood that had been slightly agitated by the previous conflict. Holding the Melting Heart Iron in his right hand, scorching and explosive Fire Element Spiritual Qi surged in, forming a subtle conflict and balance with the Water Element Spiritual Qi in his body. Under the guidance of the Great Five Elements True Scripture, it slowly merged into the fire-attribute part of his five elements sword core, tempering his Golden Core and stimulating his Physical Body.

Water and fire complemented each other, and Yin and Yang were harmonized. Lin Wan could feel that his recovery speed had clearly increased. The light of his five elements sword core seemed to have brightened a little as well.

"With these two spiritual items, within two months, my injuries should recover by more than 80%, and my Dan Yuan should recover by 60-70%. By then, as long as I don't encounter a powerful enemy above the Mid-stage Golden Core or fall into a deadly Formation, self-preservation shouldn't be a problem." Lin Wan felt slightly more settled.

Over the next two months, he stayed indoors, spending almost all his time healing, refining spiritual items, and studying the Jade Slip about the Xingluo Sea Area. He gained a deeper understanding of the Turbulent Sea Area, the Misty Reef, the potential Restrictions of Bishui Palace, the characteristics of sea-dwelling Yao Beast, and the combat habits of overseas Cultivators.

Occasionally, he would also communicate with the Cultivator sent by Feng Yushu to liaise, learning that the exploration team had basically taken shape, totaling twelve people. In addition to the ones he saw at the gathering, the Feng Family would also send two Elders at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment, as well as several Disciples at the Late Stage of Qi Refinement who were proficient in water battles. Ships, supplies, and intelligence were all being prepared in full swing.

Feng Yushu also attached great importance to Lin Wan, this "Water Element expert," and during this time, he sent over some ancient Incomplete Manual regarding Water Element Restrictions for him to comprehend. Lin Wan returned the favor, combining his own understanding of Formation and the Water Element to propose some ideas for cracking Water Element Restrictions, which made both Feng Yushu and that Array Master Zhao quite impressed, increasing their regard for him further.

Two months passed in a flash.

As he had expected, Lin Wan's injuries had recovered by about 80%. His Dan Yuan had recovered by 60%, and the cracks in the five elements sword core had basically healed, though the luster was still not as brilliant as in its prime, and the loss of Origin and Lifespan remained. His graying hair had not turned black. However, his combat strength had recovered to the level of an Early Stage of Golden Core, and due to the tempering of the water and fire spiritual items, his control over Water and Fire Element Spiritual Qi was more exquisite, and his comprehension of the five elements sword intent had deepened by a layer. Although he could not yet unleash the Five Elements Divine Light, ordinary Foundation Establishment Great Perfection Cultivators were no longer his match.

On this day, at the Golden Cloud City pier.

A giant storied ship, over fifty zhang long, completely covered in pale blue Formation runes, with a ferocious dragon head carved on the bow and towering masts—the "bibo ship"—was ready to set sail. On the ship, the Feng Family flag fluttered in the wind.

Lin Wan, in a green robe, carrying the five elements sword on his back (with a cloth cover hiding the sword's brilliance), boarded the deck. Feng Yushu, the two Feng Family Elders, Array Master Zhao, the mechanism master Qian, the beast tamer Sun, Poison Master Zhou, and the other Foundation Establishment Cultivators had all arrived. Including Lin Wan, there were exactly twelve people. In addition, there were over twenty Feng Family Disciples at the Qi Refinement Stage on the ship, responsible for steering the ship and logistics.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, have your injuries improved?" Feng Yushu greeted him, asking with concern. After two months of closed-door cultivation, Lin Wan's aura was clearly much more solid; although his hair was still gray, his eyes were deeper, which made him feel a secret awe.

"Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Feng, there is no major issue." Lin Wan nodded.

"That's good. Everyone is here, let's depart!" Feng Yushu was in high spirits and nodded to the Elder at the helm.

"Weigh anchor! Hoist the sails! Open all Formations, target—Turbulent Sea Area, Misty Reef!" The Elder shouted loudly.

"Woo—!"

Amidst the low sound of the horn, the bibo ship shimmered with spiritual light, the Formation fully activated, slowly pulling away from the pier, breaking through the azure seawater, and riding the wind and waves towards the southeast, heading into that dangerous sea area shrouded in fog and chaotic ocean currents.

On the deck, the sea breeze whipped. Lin Wan stood by the railing, looking toward the distant horizon where the sea met the sky, at the gradually emerging gray mist that looked like an ink wash painting, his eyes calm, yet harboring a sharp glint deep within.

The ruins of Bishui Palace, clues to the Five Elements Returning to Ruins, the Opportunity to restore his Foundation... Everything would unfold behind that mist.

And his overseas immortal destiny was officially setting sail.